Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae distensae, are a form of discolored scar found in the skin. They are caused by shearing forces or tearing of the deeper skin layers and are generally permanent. Depending on one’s skin type and the age of the scar they can appear brown, white, or red. Stretch marks often begin red, often leading to brown and subsequently lose pigmentation totally. Depending on their severity, they can develop textural abnormalities that appear like cigarette paper.
Stretch marks generally result from rapid stretching of the skin associated with pregnancy, rapid growth spurts, weight gain, muscle building, severe hormonal fluctuations and/or abuse of drugs like topical or oral steroids that weaken the skin.
Fraxel Treatment for Stretch Marks
Common areas for developing stretch marks are the abdomen, the breasts, inner upper arms, thighs, hips and buttocks. They pose no health threat but are cosmetically unappealing.
To date, topical therapy has proven to be totally ineffective despite their availability and the marketing of products in stores. Currently, there are only two treatments used for stretch marks at our office. When stretch marks are red and relatively new, the VBeam pulsed-dye laser can reduce the redness, improve the texture and slow down the scar’s progression in its tracks*. More recently, Non Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing, or Fraxel Restore, improves white or brown stretch marks without risk to the skin*. In only 4-5 treatments, dramatic improvement can be made*. Read about these procedures on our site and ask Dr Frank if you are right for these treatments.
FAQs
What makes you a candidate for the scar camouflage or laser for stretch marks removal?
How quickly can you see results after stretch marks removal treatment?
Are there any side effects from the lasers that you use for stretch marks removal?
What is recovery like for a stretch marks removal treatment?
How far apart are the stretch marks removal treatment sessions?
What is the hardest area on the body to treat for stretch marks removal?
Inner thighs are hard, sometimes the buttocks. Surprisingly, easy areas to treat that are super comfortable are the breasts, the back of the knees, and everyone is doing the stomach and the outer thighs.
What’s the pain like for stretch marks removal treatment?
There’s no cosmetic treatment that should be torture. The doc or provider needs to properly anestezie you. Most treatments end up annoying, but tolerable.